wentletrap

2 definitions found

wentletrap - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Scalaria \Sca*la"ri*a\, n. [L., flight of steps.] (Zool.)
     Any one of numerous species of marine gastropods of the genus
     Scalaria, or family Scalaridae, having elongated spiral
     turreted shells, with rounded whorls, usually crossed by ribs
     or varices. The color is generally white or pale. Called also
     ladder shell, and wentletrap. See Ptenoglossa, and
     Wentletrap.
     [1913 Webster]

  Wentletrap \Wen"tle*trap`\, n. [D. wenteltrap a winding
     staircase; cf. G. wendeltreppe.] [Obs.]
     Any one of numerous species of elegant, usually white, marine
     shells of the genus Scalaria, especially Scalaria pretiosa,
     which was formerly highly valued; -- called also staircase shell
     . See Scalaria.
     [1913 Webster]